Call for Action on High Seas Treaty at Mombasa Conference

The 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, saw a strong appeal for the quick enactment of the High Seas Treaty. This landmark agreement is crucial for advancing marine conservation efforts. Despite numerous commitments, genuine ocean protection often lags behind paperwork.

Historic Gathering

This event marks the first time an African country has hosted the annual conference. African countries, alongside delegates from the United States, European Union, and island nations, gathered to address significant issues like climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. The aim is to establish Africa as a pivotal player in global ocean management.

High Seas Treaty

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry underscored the importance of the High Seas Treaty, which became effective in January after being ratified by 60 countries. This treaty provides a legal basis to create protected areas in international waters. However, Kerry pointed out that the pace of progress remains insufficient.

“We have 10% of the ocean under protection this year,” Kerry said. “That is worth marking. But only 3% is highly or fully protected, and the rest of the protections are, unfortunately, just lines on a map.”

Kerry criticized industrial fishing fleets for depleting ocean resources by utilizing massive nets thousands of miles away from their home countries.

Call for Immediate Action

Kerry urged countries that have not yet ratified the treaty to do so and immediately proceed with its implementation. The Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction aims to reach a global goal of conserving 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

Kenya’s Role

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, emphasized the need to transform promises into practical actions. He mentioned the importance of delivering measurable results that benefit local communities, economies, and the seas.

Since 2014, the One Ocean Conference has generated over 2,900 pledges, valued at more than $169 billion, aimed at better managing marine ecosystems. The challenge now is to fulfill these pledges effectively.

A Significant Responsibility

The 56 Commonwealth member states hold 36% of the world’s ocean jurisdiction and nearly half of its coral reefs, placing a unique responsibility on them to safeguard marine resources. African countries are becoming leaders in ocean conservation, with commitments like those from eight Gulf of Guinea nations to manage their waters sustainably by 2030.

“A region long described as a victim of ocean exploitation is now choosing to lead instead,” explained Kerry.

Progress in East Africa

Kenya has made strides in coastal management and has expanded marine protected areas. The nation focuses on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing along its 640-kilometer coastline, which supports key sectors like fisheries and tourism.

As discussions in Mombasa continue, the next few months will be crucial for determining whether the High Seas Treaty becomes an effective tool for conservation or merely another unfulfilled international promise.

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